RUNNING a pub isn't something to make a meal of when you have worked at one as a chef for 18 years.

John Paterson, 38, is now combining his kitchen duties with the added responsibility of being landlord of the Moorcock Inn, Blacko.

John will be running the pub with his wife, Janet, 42, a former head waitress at the pub who now works as a nursery nurse at Altham.

John said: " It is like a second home to me."

The pair have taken over from long-time hosts Peter and Elizabeth Holt, who retired recently. When it was suggested that John might take over the licence he jumped at the chance.

John said: "Elizabeth gave six months' notice as required, but as I was already on the spot, it was sorted out in no time. So far, so good, I am enjoying the responsibility."

According to John little has changed in his first month in charge.

John said: "Most of the original staff are still with me. I have introduced a few specials and we now have menus instead of boards, but apart from that, it is business as usual.

But it is all go for the Patersons as the whole family work at the pub. Janet works behind the bar at night and weekends, when she is not working as a nursery nurse and children Jamie, 20, who is home from university in Manchester and 12-year-old Catherine, who attends Westholme School, Blackburn, have both been roped in to assist with kitchen duties in their spare time.

John added: "It is hard work, but there is no point making a meal out of it.

"It is difficult for Janet having two jobs but she is enjoying herself at the moment."